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NCJRS Abstract

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This study examined whether it is appropriate to make a causal
inference regarding the association between early child abuse and
neglect and alcohol symptoms in females, and it also analyzed
whether five potential mechanisms may mediate the relationship
between child abuse and neglect and alcohol symptomatology.

Abstract:

The data used in these analyses are part of a research project
based on a cohort design study in which abused and neglected
children were matched with nonabused and non-neglected children
and followed prospectively into young adulthood. In the first
phase of the research, a large group of adults abused and/or
neglected as children approximately 20 years ago were followed up
through an examination of official juvenile and criminal records
and compared with a matched control group of children. Only cases
that were serious enough to come to the attention of the
authorities were included in this study. Substantiated cases of
child abuse and neglect from 1967 to 1971 were matched on sex,
age, race, and approximate social class with nonabused and
non-neglected children and followed prospectively into young
adulthood. Subjects were administered a 2-hour in-person
interview, including the National Institute of Mental Health
Diagnostic Interview Schedule, to assess alcohol use and abuse.
The analyses were restricted to females in the sample (n=582).
The dependent variable was the number of alcohol symptoms,
determined by the person's response to the Alcohol Abuse or
Dependence component of the DIS-III-R. The five potential
mechanisms for mediating the relationship between child abuse and
neglect and alcohol symptomatology were depression,
worthlessness, social isolation/loneliness, low self-esteem, and
using alcohol and/or drugs to cope. For the women studied, being
abused and neglected in their childhoods increased the number of
alcohol symptoms manifested later in their lives. This
relationship remained significant even after controlling for
other potentially confounding factors, including race, IQ, family
poverty, and parents' alcohol or drug history. The findings
provide preliminary support for two potential mechanisms or
mediating variables in the relationship between childhood abuse
and/or neglect and alcohol abuse. These are depression symptoms
and using alcohol/drugs to cope. This report recommends that
interventions be directed at abused and neglected females of all
ages to help them deal with depression and develop coping
strategies that will prevent the development of serious alcohol
abuse problems. 7 figures, 3 tables, and 72 references

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